Remembering the ‘Quarantine Heroine’

A Foreword From Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey

What can any of us hope for except to make a difference?

Annie Egan, who left her home in Emerald Hill in Gunnedah Shire in 1914 to train as a nurse, made a difference.

She might only have lived to the age of 27, but Annie’s courage in continuing to nurse patients infected with the Spanish Flu even after she had contracted it herself was testament to her dedication. When she was admitted to the North Head Quarantine Station in Sydney in 1918, she was denied a priest to administer the last rites to her and other Catholics.

Her pleas caught the attention of the nation and sparked public outrage. While the Federal Government was forced to back down and allow the last rites, it was too late for Annie, who died on 3 December, 1918.

Bravery often comes without a gun, and can come in the form of a young woman who leaves her home to offer comfort in the final moments of others.

Gunnedah Shire is proud of Nurse Annie Egan and, when we were approached by Allan Miles OAM to offer support for the WW1 Nurse Annie Egan Memorial Project in recognition of Annie’s selfless service, Gunnedah Shire Council whole-heartedly agreed.

The memorial was unveiled on 14 November 2021 in ANZAC Park in Gunnedah, following dedication of an “Egan Family Remembrance” Plaque at the homestead “Rosewood”, Emerald Hill NSW, the Egan Family home the day before.

Gunnedah Shire has a proud tradition of support for our people who served, with a program of hugely-attended commemorative events on ANZAC Day every year. Among the memorials that stand as tribute to those who served is one in Tambar Springs that is believed to be the earliest memorial erected in country Australia to World War I servicemen.

We will always remember them.